Psychology 188: Seminar in African American Psychology

Professor Halford H. Fairchild, Pitzer College

TuTh 9:35 - 10:50

Office Hours: Mondays, 10-12 and by appointment.

Fall 2009

Course Objectives: This course explores recent theory, research and practice in African American Psychology. A principal goal is to encourage the development of communication skills (oral and written) among students. Students will develop a research project for the semester and present pieces of their findings on an ongoing basis. The course will culminate in the production of a 10-20 page literature review.

Texts: There is no text for this class. Students will develop reading lists from online sources, principally The Journal of Black Psychology.

Course Organization and Requirements

Attendance is required.  Each day, students should come to class with an "S/R Paper" on that day's readings. One unexcused absence is allowed during the semester. Students' grades will be lowered 1/2 grade for every two additional absences (3 absences mean that the highest possible grade a student can receive is an A-).

S/R Papers.  "S/R" stands for "Stimulus/Response."  The "Stimulus," each day, is the day's reading assignment.  The "Response" is the student's reaction to that reading.  For each class session that has a reading assignment, students should write an "S/R" for each of the readings.  The "Stimulus" portion of the paper should be a very short summary or synopsis of what the reading assignment was about.  The "Response" portion may be short or long -- and should provide your insights, reflections, thoughts, reactions, and/or questions to the reading material.  These "Responses" will be shared in class as part of our class discussion.  Students should come to class, each day, with their "S/R Papers" typed and ready to hand in.  "S/R Papers" will be worth up to 100 points.  Late papers receive 50% credit. Papers submitted by email or in absentia receive 50% credit.

Class Participation.  Classroom participation is required.  Up to 500 points will be awarded for classroom participation. 

Grading

Grades will be based on work performed, and determined subjectively by the instructor.  Attendance is mandatory, as is class participation, so these items weigh heavily in grading.  "S/R papers" are worth up to 100 points (50% off for late papers).  Class participation is worth up to 500 points.  "A" students receive 92% or more of the available points; "B" students 82% or more; etc.  Students on the margins receive minuses or plusses.  See notes, above, regarding the negative effects of absences.

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